Trois Etudes de Mains (Three Studies of Hands) c. 1876

"Trois Etudes de Mains" (Three Studies of Hands) is a pencil drawing by Thomas Couture, created in 1876. The artwork depicts three different hands in various positions, capturing their anatomy with meticulous detail. The hand holding a quill pen suggests a scholar or writer, while the hand grasping a hammer hints at manual labor. This study of the human hand, a hallmark of academic art, showcases Couture's keen observation and skill in anatomical representation. The piece is a testament to the artist's dedication to realistic depiction, which was central to his artistic approach.